Scan barcode
thecirclek's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I'll echo other reviewers in saying that this is a mixed bag. The title story (which at 130 pages is really like its own short novel) is probably the strongest. I enjoyed the visceral horror of "A Hole in the Head" and the warped child perspective of "Nobody Knows My Name". I thought that "Beersheba" was underdeveloped. "Fossil Figures" and "Death Cup" (two stories back-to-back about adult brothers with a complicated relationship?!) both underwhelmed me and didn't seem to ever click. "Helping Hands" starts off promising, but then gets lost.
I will give the collection credit that it doesn't just aim for shock value. There is an attempt to link the characters' inner lives to the horror/thriller elements.
I will give the collection credit that it doesn't just aim for shock value. There is an attempt to link the characters' inner lives to the horror/thriller elements.
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Child abuse and Sexual assault
More...